Migs Bermudo: Changing the world through football

By Nadine Leoncio, 'Ako Ang Simula'

You can communicate to the youth through sports - this is belief of Migs Bermundo, a professional football coach.

Migs Bermudo

Inspired by the need to help underprivileged children, Migs spearheaded an organization called Dream Big Pilipinas. They teach football to street children and encourage them to go back to school.

Because of their love for sports, the out-of-school youth were convinced that studying will not only enhance their skills but will also lead them to a brighter future.

Migs used to teach football in private schools, and in in 2007, Gawad Kalinga asked Migs to do a recreational activity.

From teaching football to two street children, his students have reached 300. These children all went back to school and some even got scholarships. For Migs, there is an immense fulfillment in volunteer work. That is why he left his job in an advertising agency and started Dream Big Pilipinas in 2010.

Migs conducts free football clinics on weekends in Mandaluyong and Pasig. His students are aged between 7 and 17.

Migs Bermudo with his students.Photo from dreambigpilipinas.wordpress.com

He said he is touched by the compelling stories of his students. Despite their young age, most of them work to provide for the family. That is why he convinced the parents that these children should prioritize studying over working. The children are also required to maintain good grades and attend Gawad Kalinga’s values formation seminars.

He has seen significant changes in his students, who have become competitive in academics. Their behavior has also improved. For Migs, the holistic approach of molding the children was a success.

Migs’ efforts were recognized when he was awarded by the World Economic Forum as one of the Young Global Shapers, a group of young extraordinary individuals with great potential for future leadership roles in society.

Sponsored by National Bookstore and Robby Bags, school supplies and bags were given to Migs' students.

Ako ang Simula considers Migs as a Patroller ng Pagbabago. As a mentor, Migs is hopeful that someday his students will work with him in helping other people.